Today’s report has found that a new link will improve journey times, up to 30 minutes along the length of the route, and support economic growth in the towns and cities on the Expressway.

The new road would benefit commuters and businesses in Cambridge, Oxford and Milton Keynes – some of the fastest growing areas in the UK - and have a wider positive impact on Britain’s economy.

Transport Minister John Hayes said:

I want people up and down Britain to benefit from quicker, more reliable journeys.

Our cities and towns are the lifeblood of our economy and they, as well as our rural communities, need strong connections to thrive.

We are already spending £15 billion on the biggest upgrade to the road network for generations.

This next phase is aimed at creating more vital links, creating jobs and opportunities and helping hardworking families across the country feel the benefits of our investment.

The improved network could also benefit local communities by improving access to amenities, cutting congestion in built up areas and enabling the delivery of new homes.

The study is part of the government’s next phase of road improvements, which will get underway from 2020. The current Road Investment Strategy period covers 2015 to 2020.

Further proposals on the route of the expressway will now be developed.

Two further reports – the Trans-Pennine tunnel and the A1 east of England – are also published today. Studies into the M25 south west quadrant, the Manchester north west quadrant and the Northern Trans Pennine are also underway.